As we entered 2021, like many others, I was eager to forget the horrors of the previous year and continue moving forward in life. Now I feel as if I am back in that same space with my eyes set firmly on what I hope will be an incredible 2022. Getting me through another difficult year in Victoria was what I have always turned to during the good times and the bad... the music, and to reflect upon the years releases is as if I was talking about a dear friend behind their back, but in the best way possible. So here goes!
TOP 10 RELEASES OF 2021
#10 Stepson - Help Me, Help You
#9 Wildheart - Global Crisis
#8 The Devil Wears Prada - ZII EP
#7 Deadlights - The Uncanny Valley
#6 Starve - Nausea EP
https://youtu.be/iK52X7-QwOg
#5 Wage War - Manic
#4 Knocked Loose - A Tear In The Fabric of Life EP
#3 Lorna Shore - ...And I Return To Nothingness EP
#2 Seeker - Call It A Hatred EP
#1 Invent Animate - The Sun Sleeps, As If It Never Was
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtat4wdIoxE
TOP 10 SONGS OF 2021
#10 Wage War - Teeth
#9 Saviour - Worlds Collide
#8 Left To Suffer - D.N.R
#7 Deadlights - Born of a Lie
#6 ATLVS - Nazareth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xSW4LKSZLc
#5 Starve - (On Account of My Emptiness)
#4 Ocean Sleeper - Forever Sinking
#3 ATLVS - Kodokushi
#2 Saviour - Reshape Me
#1 Seeker - CIAH
https://youtu.be/MHcnXtYttIQ
BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF 2021
Saviour - Reshape Me
https://youtu.be/ymNoZwIxig4
FIRST GIG YOU HAVE LINED UP POST COVID?
I've found that the industries resurgence has been slow, however I was lucky enough to attend The Gloom In The Corner's headline show at 170 Russell on the 21st November. To be completely honest I was a little overwhelmed to be in a big band room packed with strangers but that quickly subsided and by the time the show was over I couldn't wait for the next one!
WHAT BAND/S GOT YOU THROUGH THE PAST TWO YEARS?
There has been quite a vast array of different artists on my heavy rotation that span a number of different genres, however, if I had to mention a couple of of staples in my everyday listening, they would be Bloom and Saviour. I love both these acts dearly!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhvr7Qwlv-0
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT YOU GOING INTO NEXT YEAR?
Having spent another year (for the most part) in isolation, I have had an abundance of time to reflect on what is really important to me and which direction I would like my life to go in. My focus stays directed at constant improvement, always striving to be better than I was the day before, taking one baby step at a time. I am so excited to see what 2022 brings for me and even if it is another year of lockdowns (fingers crossed it isn't) I know that I will be okay and can use the challenges it brings as periods of growth.
FAVOURITE NEW BAND DISCOVERED IN 2021
I have always found the best way to find new and exciting artists is by attending shows early and watching the support acts. With that taken away from me for the most part, it has been harder than usual to discover smaller acts... However that didn't stop me. One band that appeared in my emails asking for an EP review was UK band Seeker. Upon first listen I was well and truly hooked on this band and have continuously listened to them for the entire year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsz0me8_Xbo
NEXT BIG AUSSIE ACT TO WATCH IN 2022
Those who know me well know that I have a fond spot in my heart for Gippsland act ATLVS. The band have just released two songs with a new vocalist and they are sounding HUGE! The band seems as if they have a few more tricks up their sleeve and I can't wait to see what they are in 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2wo5Zb5dds
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022
I'm looking forward to facing whatever 2022 has in store for me, the good times and the challenges. The resurgence of music festivals and gigs is exciting and I can't wait to get amongst all the action, hopefully this time it stays! I have pondered the idea of travelling once international borders open up fully and I have confidence that they will stay open but nothing is set in stone, anything is possible at this point!
Written by Adam Rice @_spicyyricey_
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0syxf1sPyQE
.webp)
